-2020 update: Had to remove photos due to technical issue (site where I had uploaded them went down)- will try to restore -
This fort is not to be mistaken with the Chandragiri fort near Tirupati, AP
November last year, I was heading home in a Mangalore bound train via Kerala. Early in the morning I learnt from twitter that Karnataka BJP has enforced day long bandh in Karnataka on the day, which meant I was likely to be stranded in railway station.
Made on-the-fly decision to get down at Bekal Fort, spend some time there and then go to Mangalore by evening. There was no stop at Bekal fort station,so had to get down at Kasargod, then took a bus to Bekal. I was also informed of a place called Chandragiri fort nearby, but couldn’t get clear directions from few people from whom I sought help. While returning from Bekal I suddenly spotted a signboard which said Chandragiri Fort 1km and got out of the bus in a split second decision.
Walked about a km and I was in Chandragiri fort. Nothing unique about this fort- just has an entrance, walls, a sort of well and a watch tower. Nothing more. Area inside the fort campus is also small, probably as large as a cricket ground. No buildings or vegetation inside other than grass.
The view from the fort is pretty good-river and ocean are visible.
Not much of historic information was available. A security guard like person came to me and asked me to sign in the visitor register.
If you’re heading to Bekal, spending little more time to visit this Chandragiri fort will be worth it. On its own there’s no point going all the way to see this place.
Nearby: Bekal Fort pics * Madhugiri Fort, Tumkur *Mattur near Shimoga *
November last year, I was heading home in a Mangalore bound train via Kerala. Early in the morning I learnt from twitter that Karnataka BJP has enforced day long bandh in Karnataka on the day, which meant I was likely to be stranded in railway station.
Made on-the-fly decision to get down at Bekal Fort, spend some time there and then go to Mangalore by evening. There was no stop at Bekal fort station,so had to get down at Kasargod, then took a bus to Bekal. I was also informed of a place called Chandragiri fort nearby, but couldn’t get clear directions from few people from whom I sought help. While returning from Bekal I suddenly spotted a signboard which said Chandragiri Fort 1km and got out of the bus in a split second decision.
Walked about a km and I was in Chandragiri fort. Nothing unique about this fort- just has an entrance, walls, a sort of well and a watch tower. Nothing more. Area inside the fort campus is also small, probably as large as a cricket ground. No buildings or vegetation inside other than grass.
The view from the fort is pretty good-river and ocean are visible.
Not much of historic information was available. A security guard like person came to me and asked me to sign in the visitor register.
If you’re heading to Bekal, spending little more time to visit this Chandragiri fort will be worth it. On its own there’s no point going all the way to see this place.
Nearby: Bekal Fort pics * Madhugiri Fort, Tumkur *Mattur near Shimoga *
Quick decision making pays? I am traveling a bit solo these days and I am sure I would be scared to get into a place where there was only me and a security guard!
ReplyDeletefunny to note that they maintain a visitors register!
ReplyDeletefunny to note that they maintain a visitors register!
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to hear that one of the tourist destinations the Kerala government advertise is kept in such an unkempt fashion.
ReplyDeleteBelieve me, the place was more attractive when I visited it many years ago.
Mridula:
ReplyDelete:) Happy & safe journey...
Deepak: yes they do... few people DO visit everyday
Prasanna:
Ok... at present this sort of looks abandoned...
nice...did you visit bekal fort too? the ocean views would have been fantastic.
ReplyDeleteyes, I went to Bekal also..
ReplyDeleteOcean views were nice. but I only had mobile and not my regular camera...
empty and nice!
ReplyDeleteHi SriNidhi,
ReplyDeleteI read your blogs often and find them full of information. I love travelling and photogrpahy both and your website provides me full of information. I am an accountant by profession. I want to discuss some things with you and hope to get your expert advise on that. I want to take travel and photography as a full time profession. Can you advise me the kind of career options in travel and photogrpahy(only travel photography containing landscapes).
My email id is harishrajpal2003@gmail.com
Hi SriNidhi,
ReplyDeleteI read your blogs often and find them full of information. I love travelling and photogrpahy both and your website provides me full of information. I am an accountant by profession. I want to discuss some things with you and hope to get your expert advise on that. I want to take travel and photography as a full time profession. Can you advise me the kind of career options in travel and photogrpahy(only travel photography containing landscapes).
My email id is harishrajpal2003@gmail.com
Hi
ReplyDeleteI'm not a full time traveler/photographer and hence not the right person to ask..
Begin with trying to sell your photographs, while still on your job
Best wishes